WEST CHESTER – Lakota West rising sophomore Matt Stratman's family received some "devastating" news last week after June 20 MRI results showed more damage than they could have imagined.

Stratman fell into a coma due to bleeding in the brain June 9. Across West Chester, Butler County, Fairfield and Liberty Township, #StratmanStrong supporters have offered prayers, fundraisers and any support they can provide.

The Stratmans have posted periodically on a Caring Bridge page set up on their behalf. The most recent from mother Julie Stratman states that Matt has suffered extensive brain damage which will prevent him from recovering.

His dad, Ron, penned an emotional statement describing their experience as "a living hell," where he tempered his grief with a message of hope and gratitude for the impact his son's made on their community.

Stratman's condition was undiagnosed as it was originally thought he suffered heat exhaustion after playing in a lacrosse game against Lakota West alumni. He complained of head pain, was iced and treated and then passed out. Cincinnati Children's Medical Center medical professionals later determined Matt had an AVM (arteriovenous malformation) a tangle of abnormal blood vessels connecting arteries and veins in the brain. Such conditions are pre-existing.

Since then, amid prayers going up on the family's behalf, the community hosted a rally on Lakota West's field the next day and held a charity car wash, which brought in more than $13,000. Businesses donated food and provided even more fundraisers.

The post June 21, one day after doctors delivered the MRI results, was as difficult to read as it probably was for his mother, Julie, to write:

"The meeting with the neurosurgery/neurology team was devastating. The MRI revealed the amount of damage was more than we could have imagined. Matt’s AVM is in a place that was vital to all brain function. His body is slowly giving up. We are heartbroken. Eva, Tom & Katie are trying to understand it all along with us. Ron is at the hospital tonight with Matt."

Eva, Tom and Katie are his siblings. Matt, Eva and Tom are triplets. Matt's grandparents also made a post thanking the businesses and individuals who have worked to support the family and help ease the pain.

The Stratman family leaves the stadium at Lakota West to a round of applause and support Sunday June 10.(Photo: Thanks to Julie Vonderhaar)

On June 19, Ron Stratman, who spoke to the rally of supporters just a day after the incident, wrote a message to Matt's Velocity Lacrosse teammates who were going to Delaware. Sunday, his latest message was posted on various social media outlets:

"Since 12:10 p.m., Saturday, June 9th, 2018, my world has changed. It has been a living hell, I will not lie. Watching my son peril in an unconscious state is a nightmare I wish upon no one. Asking why I do not get an answer and I may never know the reason. What I do know is that my God is a loving God and He knows what is best for Matt. I will accept that, without anger, but with sadness. My heart is heavy.

This event is still very new to me. My grieving will not stop, nor should it. But I’m beginning to truly understand the impact this young man has had and has made on others. I have witnessed a mother’s unconditional love. I have never seen a mother pour every ounce of her love and strength into her child. I sit in amazement and watch. I have witnessed a brother and two sisters embrace each other like never before. I have witnessed two immediate families to continually give us strength, love and support. I have witnessed friends who rally around us and provide that additional layer of love and support needed to cope with what is to come.

The past several days I have also witnessed truly wonderful opportunities of human beings coming together as one. A community that quickly embraced Matt and made him their own son. I’ve witnessed young men and women who are Matt’s friends, teammates, classmates and many who do not know Matt, step up as a collective group of remarkable young adults to come to his aid. I have a new and sincere appreciation of all those who have helped because they know Matt would do the same for them.

It is with this that I selfishly prayed to God to allow Matt to heal and continue to be us here on earth. That with Matt here with us, we could do great things, give back and pay forward. That he would be able to be that inspiration as I know he can be and has been to others. I pray that we will see Matt’s Miracle. I will, I just don’t know what that miracle will be, yet. Matt will make a difference, that much I know.

I will have tears of sorrow, today, tomorrow and probably forever. But I also know, at some point, I will have tears of joy because Matt will change lives for the better and for that, I am grateful. My promise to Matt is to carry on, in his name, a legacy of giving, caring and loving others. I love you, son."

The fundraising and supportive efforts continue. In addition to the Caring Bridge site, a GoFundMe site started for Matt by football teammate Ladonnis Griffin has exceeded its goal but medical bills know no limit. The Taps, Tastes and Tunes festival of West Chester featured a dunking booth ran by West Chester firefighters and FOP members. Velocity Lacrosse took their #StramanStrong sign (donated by Fast Signs) to Delaware and they're distributing "MS" decals for Matt for those looking for helmet inspiration.